Portola Valley Municipal Code Ch. 17.32 Lots

All subdivision shall result in the creation of lots which are capable of being developed or built upon while conforming with setback requirements of the zoning title and retaining the basic natural qualities of the site. No subdivision shall create lots which are impractical for improvement or use due to steepness of terrain, location of water courses, periodic flooding, earth movement, size, shape or other physical conditions. Subdivisions shall create lots that provide for grouping or clustering of residential buildings where this will maximize the opportunity to preserve natural beauty and open space.

(Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.01), 1967)

The minimum area and dimensions of all lots shall conform to the general plan, the requirements of the zoning ordinance for the districts in which the subdivision is located, or such modifications of the lot area and dimensions as may have been approved as part of a planned unit development, and purposes of this title. Where difficult terrain or other unusual conditions exist, lots larger than these minimum areas shall be required as necessary in order to accomplish the purposes set forth in this title.

(Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.02), 1967)

Lot lines shall be placed to create usable building sites, permit accommodation of sites to the natural terrain and vegetation, and to afford access to the building site without requiring excessive grading. To the extent possible, lot lines shall be placed so as to be compatible with contours and avoid lot lines at or near right angles to contours.

(Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.03), 1967)

In cases in which lots may be resubdivided at some future time, the location of lot lines and other details of layout shall be such that resubdivision may readily take place without violating the requirements of this title and without interfering with the orderly extension of roads and streets.

(Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.04), 1967)

The average depth of any lot shall not exceed three times its average width except where a modification is approved as part of a planned unit development under the zoning title. The average depth of panhandle lots, where permitted in accordance with Section 17.32.100, shall be measured from the front and rear property lines enclosing the portion of such lots excluding the panhandle.

(Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.05), 1967)

Except where modification is approved as part of a planned unit development under the zoning ordinance, the following shall apply:

A. All lots created shall have not less than forty feet of frontage on a dedicated street meeting the minimum requirements of this title for pavement and right-of-way widths, and improved in accordance with the standards for public improvements set forth in this title. The planning commission may permit a smaller frontage dimension for panhandle lots when such lots are found acceptable pursuant to provisions of Section 17.32.100.

B. Lots, other than corner lots, normally shall not have access to more than one street.

C. On any lot intended for residential occupancy it shall be possible to provide safe vehicular access via a private driveway, conforming to the standards of the site development ordinance, from the street on which the lot faces to a garage, carport or parking site on the lot in a location conforming with the requirements of the zoning title. The alignment of the driveway shall not traverse slopes in excess of thirty percent except that in the first twenty feet from the street right-of-way, the slope can exceed thirty percent. No cut or fill shall exceed six feet in depth or height. The planning commission may allow these limits to be exceeded where design solutions are proposed which mitigate environmental and engineering problems. Where required by the town, detailed topography shall be submitted to demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this section.

D. Where two parcels are adjoining, a common driveway meeting the standards of the site development ordinance will be acceptable provided a joint maintenance agreement is recorded against each of the parcels.

(Ord. 1988-242 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979; Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.06), 1967)

No remnants of property shall be left in the subdivision which do not conform to lot requirements, or are not required for a public or private utility, approved access purpose, or other approved public use.

(Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.07), 1967)

All lots shall be adequately drained. In case the natural drainage is changed in any way, surface water from each lot shall be conducted directly to the roads or streets, underground drains or drainage channels in a manner approved by the town engineer.

(Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.08), 1967)

No lot shall be divided by a town or county boundary line.

(Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.09), 1967)

Panhandle lots are those lots which include a strip of land used primarily for gaining access from a street to the major portion of the lot, and shall be permitted by the planning commission only when they result in a division of land more fully complying with the purposes of this title as set forth in Section 17.04.040 than could otherwise have been achieved. Panhandle lots need not meet the minimum footage requirements of Section 17.32.060. However, the panhandle portion shall be wide enough to accommodate the access driveway, utilities, trails and paths, or other similar facilities required by this title with minimum grading and in no case shall be less than twenty-five feet wide.

(Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.10), 1967)